Leader of the Green Party, Elizabeth May, said she’s thrilled that her bill that seeks to tackle “environmental racism” in Canada has passed.
Speaking in the House of Commons, May flaunted her private member’s bill confronting “environmental justice” and “environmental racism,” noting the legislation has cleared its final step, and is now merely pending royal assent.
May also said that Canada has been facing environmental racism for “decades,” and that she’s “extremely pleased” to provide security for minority groups and people of colour.
She further said the bill creates an obligation for the Minister of Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, to bring forward a national strategy to confront the racist weather.
“Taking action is now required of the Minister, but the bill couldn’t dictate exactly what kinds of action we will take… there’s a lot more work to do,” May commented.
What is Environmental Racism?
Some Canadians are expressing confusion over what environmental racism is, calling May’s speech absurd and a distraction from genuine concerns.
According to the text of the bill, “a disproportionate number of people who live in environmentally hazardous areas are members of an Indigenous, racialized or other marginalized community.”
Liberal Minister Guilbeault, who supports the legislation, said in March “This legislation recognizes the need to rectify the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by certain communities, especially Black, Indigenous, and other racialized groups.”
What will the bill actually change?
Bill C-226 will mandate a national strategy to dismantle the disproportionate impacts climate change has on people of colour, which, according to the Green Party, causes racial discrimination and disadvantages.
The legislation could amend federal laws to increase the involvement of marginalized communities in policy making regarding climate change, as well as provide compensation to the minority groups impacted, and collect data on health outcomes associated with global warming.
“With the passage of Bill C-226, we are taking concrete steps to address these injustices and work towards a Canada where everyone has access to a safe and healthy environment,” stated Green Party MP Mike Morrice.
